Southampton forward Graziano Pelle admits he is glad he is not in Italy for more than just international duty having experienced a turbulent week while representing his country.
National team coach Antonio Conte received death threats after Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio picked up what appeared to be a long-term knee injury in training with the Azzurri, although the 29-year-old is set to return to training for his club after tests revealed a sprain rather than ligament damage.
There was also harsh criticism of Italy's 2-2 Euro 2016 qualifying draw in Bulgaria and Pelle -- who scored in Tuesday's 1-1 friendly draw with England -- says he is fortunate not to be reading such headlines on a daily basis.
"I come from a different kind of football," the Saints striker told RAI television. "I'm sorry to see some of the things which go on around the national team.
"It's always like this in Italy. We're used to all the controversies. I've not scored in 10 games, but I've hit the post nine times -- I'm sure if I were in Italy this would be made into a controversy.
"They are used to beautiful games like this in England. It's always a show in the Premier League."
Pelle has spent the last three years away from Italy after failing to make an impression in Serie A. It is a decision he does not regret, while a return to the Italian top flight does not look likely in the near future.
"One day, the Italian league will return to how it used to be, if they build new stadiums like the one here that Juventus have got," he said. "Italy's always a beautiful country, but you never know what's going to happen in the future.
"I was happy to play [tonight] and be given another opportunity. I would have liked to have scored a second, but I needed to be cooler and put more of an angle on it, but we put together some good moves.
"The coach is happy and there's a good atmosphere within the squad."